Building Australia’s Marine Science Future
A Day in the life of an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) at sea
The SEA-MES voyages allow scientists, including Australia’s first scientists, to work side by side with colleagues at every career stage—ECOPs, mid-career, and senior researchers. ECOPs gain hands-on experience deploying gear, analysing specimens in the lab and logging data side-by-side with experienced late career comrades, while their mid-career colleagues develop team leadership skills that will be used in future surveys.
Across four voyages, 52 participants from seven institutions have taken part—including AFMA, Australian Museum, TAC, WA-DPIRD, UTAS, UWA and CSIRO. While ECOPs form the majority, the program builds capability across the board—developing critical fundamental science, applied research, technical, collaboration, and professional networking skills.
The benefit? A growing pipeline of marine scientists equipped to support Australia’s national priorities—fisheries management, ecosystem monitoring, and marine spatial planning.
SEA-MES isn’t just collecting data—it’s equipping the people who will turn that data into action.